Ozil has been in fine form for Arsenal since the turn of the year. He has scored three and set up two in his last four games for Arsene Wenger’s men and particularly impressed during the 5-0 drubbing of Aston Villa at Emirates Stadium earlier this month.

And Ozil appeared to be in a defiant mood on Friday as he took to his Instagram account to post a picture of himself, along with the caption: “There will be doubters. There will be non-believers – But in the end it’s up to you if you believe in yourself to prove them wrong. “#therewillbehaters”

Arsenal travel to Crystal Palace in the Premier League next weekend before the first leg of their Champions League last-16 clash with Monaco.